Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Nelson Berna Funeral Home, 4520 N. Crossover Road in Fayetteville. The funeral is scheduled for Friday at 2:00 p.m. — also at Nelson Berna.
INCREDIBLY sad new this week with the passing of a true gentleman of the rivers and a friend to anyone who has swung a fly rod on our rivers, Dennis McCarty.
There were many others who knew Dennis better, and over longer periods than myself and I hope to give you some links to their words over the next couple of days. Perhaps they will be able to share a little of this extrordinary man’s achievements and efforts better than I can.
[Read This Link for Friend's Tributes from the FFAM forum]
[A Superb Tribute from Dennis' Close Friend _ Clay Henry if you read nothing else please read this]
Dennis always reminded me of a cross between my own now deceased grandfathers. Like my paternal grandfather Jack he was a gentleman of the old school, unfailingly polite and considerate and his wry sense of humor, and he had my maternal grandfather Stan’s, passion for the environment and helping people. His slow thoughtful way of speaking mirrored Stan as well.
When I first moved across to this neck of the wood, Dennis and his mate and mine Clay Henry were the first two fly fishers I guided. Ostensibly Dennis’ “reason” was to become more familiar with his riverboat and highwater techniques. In reality both of them could have chosen anyone of a dozen guides more experienced at high water fishing and in fact they probably really didn’t need much else other than a driver.
I think it was Dennis’ way of a welcoming gift, putting a few extra $ into my pocket and starting my guiding on this river. As it turned out the water fell out and I spent a pleasant afternoon netting fish and watching both these guys fish, and for a while sitting on a log with Dennis yarning. I don’t think I’m the only guide in the Ozarks who will be forever grateful to this man who liked helping others.
I’ll always have fond memories of a two day dry fly class I spent with Dennis and another of our great mutual friends Penny Pabst. Dennis, Penny joined me for a day of tying dry fly patterns, then we hit the river for part 2. I can’ t remember the fly but one pattern was proving particularly exasperating for Dennis, the hackle just wouldn’t play nice, and I actually thought he was going to loose his cool. Then he started chuckling in that quiet way of his. I’d have been cussing like a trooper. The onwater session was a lot of fun too, but again he and I spent a deal of time on a rock talking, fishing and nothing in particular. Even then he was starting to lose his stamina.
Dennis too was a great friend of every fly shop around. He had more stuff than he needed, heck he was forever buying rods, reels art and more for the Trout Unlimited Chapter banquest in Fayetteville. But he spent money at every fly shop. All of us, I think genuinely liked seeing him come in, and not just for his purchases.
Dennis will probably be most widely remembered for his works with the Arkansas chapter of Trout Unlimited in Fayetteville, and Friends of the Norfork Hatchery. Few worked harder or dug deeper into their own pockets for the causes of trout and fly fishing. His passion and commitment will besorely missed.
As I write this it strikes me that none could more more fitting to be honored on these rivers than Dennis.Not that it was ever something Dennis ever desired, ever gracious he deferred achievements onto others, but for his family and friends and those who enjoy the fruits of his labors for years to come.
Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends
Rest In Peace Dennis
Nice job Steve, Dennis was a kind soul. His will be a big shoe to fill at TU & FNH. For the little I know him, I saw him as a fine example for the rest of us to follow.